The 2016-17 A-League season continues this weekend with Sydney FC continuing to prove the dominant side in the league. Interesting weekend coming up, so make sure to read our A-league Round 14 Preview and Betting Tips.
A-League Round 14 Betting Tips
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix (Thursday 9pm AEST)
This may seem like an insignificant match but is definitely anything but that for these two teams. The two are separated by just two competition points and a victory for either side will be a huge boost for their finals aspirations while a loss, especially for the Phoenix, will be devastating.
The Phoenix missed out last week when they hosted Adelaide United on home soil. The side wasn’t able to find a winner and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in miserable conditions. It was hard for either side to hold onto possession and they will be in totally different weather this Thursday night.
Meanwhile the Glory grabbed an early lead against the Wanderers but weren’t able to hold on. Adam Taggert was the man to put it down next to his name on the scorers sheet as he showed us his talent in the 14th minute. We are predicting a tight battle between the two sides but it is a big ask for the Phoenix to travel from Wellington and play in the scorching heat at Perth, even if it is in the evening.
TIP: Perth to win - $2.10 with Ladbrokes
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Friday 7.50pm AEST)
The City haven’t had a great week with coach John Van’t Schip standing down from his position to take care of his ill father. It is good to see him put his family first but he has left his team stranded in the middle of the season. City haven’t lived up to their standards and potential this season though and a change could be a positive for the team. They almost suffered a humiliating loss against the Mariners on the weekend but instead were able to salvage a draw thanks to a last minute penalty to Bruno Fornaroli.
The Wanderers almost pulled one out of the bag against the Glory but instead they settled for their eighth draw of the season. The side has only earned the maximum points on two occasions and we are predicting that trend to continue as the team doesn’t have the impact or create the opportunities to earn a victory. On the back of City’s coach leaving and having a tumultuous week, it generally brings the side closer together and we think they will win at home.
TIP: City to win - $1.85 with CrownBet using Score But Lose Special
Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The Roar suffered a loss against Sydney FC on the road last week but they would still be happy with their position. They would have learned a lot from that match and realised they still have a lot of work to do if they are to compete for the title this season. It was only the sides second loss of the season as they have proven a tough team to beat and they have played at a high level on home soil.
The Jets were incredibly unlucky to suffer a loss to Melbourne Victory. The side was competitive and pushed for the win despite the setbacks but controversy ultimately cost them. It will be hard for the side to travel to Brisbane and lift for this match when taking into account the disappointment they had on the Monday night and we are predicting them to fall in this one.
TIP: Roar to win - $1.60 with Sportsbet
Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory (Saturday 7.50pm AEST)
A hard-fought draw kept the Reds on the bottom of the table but they did show better signs defensively at stages. However, the conditions they played in didn’t allow the Phoenix to create many opportunities against them. The team has scored just 10 goals while their defence has been poor. The side has no combinations and they will be battling to avoid the wooden spoon all season.
Meanwhile despite the Victory earning a lot of favourable calls, when you are playing well things will continue to go your way. The side has now climbed into second position on the ladder and they have Sydney FC in their sights. Besart Berisha has the monkey off his back and is now the highest goal scorer the A-league has seen and we believe he will excel for the remainder of the season. They will be able to make easy work of this weekend’s opponent, despite them playing on the road.
TIP: HT/FT – Victory/Victory - $3.30 with Sportsbet
Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC (Sunday 5pm AEST)
The Sky Blues remain undefeated and we are willing to put the house on it that it won’t change this weekend against the Mariners. Sydney FC have had the better of their northern opponents since Graham Arnold’s departure from the Mariners to Sydney FC and it is clear why. Arnold is a terrific coach and the Sky Blues aren’t afraid to open their purse to bring in the big players to excel under his game plans. Their structure has resulted in them conceding just five goals in their 13 games this season.
Meanwhile the Mariners are the worst defensive team in the league. They are averaging more than two goals conceded per game and it is hard to see an outcome where the Mariners don’t concede multiple goals. We are predicting this to be an easy victory for the away team.
TIP: Sydney FC at the line (-1) - $2.10 with Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
